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Potter salutes his Tiger cubs

Ian McCullough

Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter says his young side's 21-18 win over Parramatta without inspirational skipper Robbie Farah on Monday was a huge step forward in their development.

A halfback masterclass from 19-year-old Luke Brooks, who kicked the go-ahead field goal three minutes from fulltime - having earlier scored a runaway try - was the difference between the sides in an enthralling encounter in front of a crowd of more than 50,00 at ANZ Stadium.

Both sides made their fair share of errors but in a topsy-turvy affair, it did little to detract from a thoroughly enjoyable game that was only sealed in the Tigers' favour with Pat Richards' booming penalty goal from halfway with under two minutes remaining.

However, it was Brooks who stole the show and Potter was delighted with how the youngster, already tipped as a future NSW Origin representative, coped with the occasion.

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"I think he's still developing, but he kicked a match-winning field goal and his kicking got better once he got into a routine," Potter said.

"He takes it in his stride, if he was playing park footy he would be the same. It really doesn't faze him. He's good to coach and he's good to watch.

"Winning without Robbie, (James) Tedesco and Liam Fulton was above and beyond for these players.

"I think the confidence the young guys will get from this result is going to stand us in good stead for when things get tight and tough later in the season."